Abstract
Background: Orthodontic practitioners have a high exposure risk to cross infection with COVID-19 due to proximity with the patients and frequent exposure to body fluids during procedures. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate COVID-19 related experiences, knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours among orthodontists and orthodontic residents in Nigeria, and to identify factors related with their self-perceived and actual level of COVID-19 related knowledge. Methods: An online questionnaire was sent to a sample of orthodontists and orthodontic residents in Nigeria to survey demographic characteristics, personal experiences, knowledge, attitude and behaviours related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The data collected were analysed using descriptive analysis, chi-square test and regression analysis. Results: A total of 29 (54.7%) respondents were specialist orthodontists while 24(45.3%) were orthodontic residents. Most orthodontists (96.6%) and orthodontic residents (95.8%) had completed COVID-19-related training programs and the Internet (98.1%) was their primary source of knowledge. The mean self-perceived knowledge score was 4.44 ± 0.55 while their total knowledge score was 4.15 ± 0.60. Attitudes towards the use of PPE (P = 0.001) and compliance with the use of pre-procedural mouth rinse with 1% Hydrogen Peroxide or 0.2% povidone Iodine (P = 0.034) was significantly different among the respondents based on their professional status. Conclusions: COVID-19-related training programs as well as provision of essential personal protective equipment are essential for the improvement of knowledge, confidence, and preparedness of orthodontic professionals.
Highlights
Individuals in close contact with symptomatic or asymptomatic coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) patients such as healthcare workers are at higher risk of cross-infection [1]
Attitudes towards the use of protective equipment (PPE) (P = 0.001) and compliance with the use of pre-procedural mouth rinse with 1% Hydrogen Peroxide or 0.2% povidone Iodine (P = 0.034) was significantly different among the respondents based on their professional status
COVID-19-related training programs as well as provision of essential personal protective equipment are essential for the improvement of knowledge, confidence, and preparedness of orthodontic professionals
Summary
Individuals in close contact with symptomatic or asymptomatic coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) patients such as healthcare workers are at higher risk of cross-infection [1]. Risk regions 14 days prior, suspension of non-emergency orthodontic care in the regions where COVID-19 has spread [1,2], a questionnaire screening of patients to take different actions according to the triage of the patients [3], temperature screening of each patient using contact-free forehead thermometers [4], pre-procedural mouthrinses to reduce droplets and aerosols generated during procedures [5], hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety goggles, masks, gloves, face shields, and protective gowns [6]. Orthodontic practitioners have a high exposure risk to cross infection with COVID-19 due to proximity with the patients and frequent exposure to body fluids during procedures
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